Suspicious Trigg bushfire contained

Suspicious Trigg bushfire contained - The West Australian

The fire scene this evening. Picture: Lincoln Baker/The West Australian

Update, 7.15pm: A suspicious bushfire which threatened homes in Trigg and caused heavy traffic delays has been contained.

Trigg residents were urged to leave their homes as a bushfire raged in a nearby reserve this evening. The police arson squad has been notified of the fire which has been deemed suspicious.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services warned the fire at Trigg Bushland Reserve could threaten lives and homes after it started at 4.06pm. The fire since been contained but remains out of control.

DFES said a threat to lives and homes has passed and the alert for the area has been downgraded.

An advice warning is in place for people in the area bounded by West Coast Highway, Milverton Avenue, Lynn Street, and West Coast Drive. The warning includes those on Elliott Road, Lefroy Street, King Albert Road, Hepworth Avenue, Joffrey Road, Spence Street and Trigg Place.

People in the area are being encouraged to stay up to date keep up to date and watch for signs of fire.

Motorists are also being asked to avoid the area and the fire has forced the closure of parts of West Coast Highway and Karrinyup Road.

Four helitacs, an aerial intelligence helicopter, an aircrane and firefighters from eight stations are battling the fire.

Trigg residents have heaped praise on firefighters who controlled the fire.

Jodie Beale's house on Spence Street was one of the closest to the flames.

Mrs Beale said she was shopping when a neighbour rang to say her house was close to the flames.

She said if it wasn't for her friends and the firefighters, she would have lost her house.

"The boys had the hoses out already when I got here. They were a godsend." she said.

"The helicopters were amazing. I can't praise them enough."

Residents have used social media to share pictures of flames close to homes.

"We are watching with concern," said a Twitter user.

West Coast Highway is closed between between Pearl Parade and Karrinyup Road and Karrinyup Road is closed between West Coast Highway and Marmion Avenue and West Coast Drive. Elliot Road has also been closed.